Ayurveda and Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a
life-changing event, and Ayurveda stresses that a woman should be in good
health before becoming pregnant to help the chances of the baby being healthy
and to make the pregnancy and delivery go more smoothly. Ayurveda also says that the father
should also be in good health, as it is the constitutions of both parents that
determine the constitution of the baby.
Both parents need to cultivate love and affection during the pregnancy,
so that the child feels it as well.
Here are other ayurvedic recommendations during pregnancy:

-Exercise: Gentle exercise
like walking, swimming, and yoga is good.
A pre-natal yoga class may be beneficial to understand what
modifications are necessary. Avoid
any strain.

-Stress: Cut back on your
workload as much as possible. Use
your support system, friends and family, to help you out. Take care of yourself mentally,
physically and emotionally.

-Rest: Takes naps when your
body signals you to do so. Make
sure you get enough sleep at night.

-Massage: Abhyanga
(ayurvedic self massage) is a wonderful daily practice. Pay special attention to the belly to
avoid stretch marks. An ayurvedic
massage therapist can help to stimulate marma points to relieve some of the
discomforts that come with pregnancy, like sciatica, heartburn, or swelling.

-Meditation: Meditation is
especially beneficial during pregnancy to help you relax and relieve
stress. Enjoy quiet times by
yourself before the baby comes!